Arsenal kicked off their Premier League title defence in similarly resounding fashion, seeing off promoted side Coventry City 3-0 at home with goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Ødegaard.

Jannik Sinner has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming US Open, with the world number one yet to recover from a knee injury. His rival Carlos Alcaraz, meanwhile, is set to return from a four-month absence to defend his title in New York.

Alex Lanier is making history for French badminton, having become the country’s first representative to reach the World Championship semi-finals. Ahead of his semi-final against Canada‘s Victor Lai on Saturday, the Normandy native is already guaranteed at least a bronze medal in New Delhi.

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain reacts after winning the pole position in the qualifying for the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

McLaren driver Lando Norris won pole position for Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix, the current world champion pipping Mercedes rivals George Russell and Kimi Antonelli into second and third place.

The British driver set a time of one minute and 11.163 seconds, 0.102 seconds faster than compatriot Russell, to take a critical advantage into the Grand Prix race on Sunday.

READ: F1: McLaren boss glad of ‘harmony’ between Norris, Piastri

“Best lap of my life,” said a pumped-up Norris, who had earlier complained his McLaren was lacking pace after being beaten into third in the sprint race earlier Saturday.

“I just had to commit through everything because I knew how close it was going to be,” added the 26-year-old, who is enjoying a run of good form having won the Hungarian Grand Prix before the summer break.

Russell had been the quickest driver all weekend but was forced into second place on the grid on the last qualifying lap that was affected by light rain.

“I was on a very strong lap, to be honest. And then I just had a small oversteer in turn eight” that cost him the vital tenth of a second, said Russell.

READ: F1: Lando Norris grabs first race win of season in Hungarian GP

World championship leader Antonelli will start from third on the grid, ruing a difficult qualifying session with an error in turn one costing him a few crucial tenths of a second.

The teenage sensation set the pace in the first half of the season, winning six races, including a stunning run of five consecutive Grand Prix.

But the chasing pack has closed in fast, with McLaren in particular bringing upgrades to their car that have brought them into contention.

“It was a very good wake-up call this weekend that you can never lower your guard,” said Antonelli, who turns 20 next week.

Oscar Piastri, who took the chequered flag last year at Zandvoort, qualified fourth, ahead of the two Ferraris driven by Charles Leclerc and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Despite raucous home support, local favourite Max Verstappen was unable to make an impact and will start seventh on the grid.

 ‘Real fight’

Frome the left, second-placed Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain, first-placed McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain and third-placed Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy stand on the podium after the qualifying for the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Sunday’s race promises to be a nail-biter, with just a few tenths of a second separating the top four or five drivers.

Starting on pole, however, will be a major advantage for Norris.

Since Zandvoort returned to the Grand Prix calendar in 2021, the pole-setter has won every time given the difficulty of overtaking on the unique track.

“We have a real fight on our hands these days,” said Russell after triumphing in the sprint.

“I think that’s quite fun and that’s how Formula One should be. It shouldn’t just be two teammates going for race wins week in week out. Everybody should be in with a shot,” he added.

Ferrari will also challenge on Sunday. Leclerc overhauled Norris in the sprint and Hamilton will be aiming to take a chunk out of Antonelli’s 53-point championship lead.

McLaren, who have won here for the past two editions, will also be in the mix and it would be a brave punter who rules out four-time world champion Max Verstappen — especially not at his “home” Grand Prix.

The “orange army” roaring him on will hope he can produce a miracle in his Red Bull that has been off the pace so far this season.

Sunday’s Grand Prix will be the last edition for the Dutch since the Zandvoort circuit.

Despite attracting big crowds eager to see Verstappen, promoters have pulled the plug, saying the financial risks were too great.

Fears that Verstappen, who has made little secret of his dislike of the 2026 regulations, could quit the sport played a part in the decision to pull the plug on Zandvoort.

But ironically, as the teams were setting up for the last Dutch Grand Prix, Verstappen announced he had extended his contract with Red Bull until 2030, guaranteeing his future and Dutch interest in the sport.

Rory McIlroy hit and hit, following a week where he nearly hit more shots than everyone. 

On Monday, McIlroy said he hit at his home in Florida, doing so as longtime swing coach Michael Bannon and caddie Harry Diamond watched. On Tuesday and Wednesday, McIlroy hit on the range at Bellerive Country Club, site of this week’s BMW Championship. Across the two practice days, he hit 313 balls.  

No, even six-time major winners aren’t protected from the occasional swing funk. Yes, even McIlroy has to dig himself out of it. 

“Yeah, I’ve definitely gotten into some bad habits in my golf swing over the past few months,” McIlroy said Wednesday during his pre-tournament press conference. “Yeah, as you play tournament golf, you start, the golf swing takes a back seat and all you’re really trying to do is hit shots and be visual and be instinctive. But as you do that, you can start to revert back into some bad habits. And I’ve certainly done that this year. …

“But I spent the day at home in Florida on Monday, worked with my coach, Michael, and Harry, and we definitely, I feel like we’re heading into the right direction. But, yeah, I have this feeling in my golf swing that I just, I need to, I just need to engrain, and I just need to hit a ton of balls while doing it. Whether it be with the head cover under my right arm, or I’ve made a couple of clubs up with different grips to try to feel like where my hands should be halfway back. So I just have to hit a ton of balls to try to get that ingrained.

“That’s what’s hard. It’s hard to do that for three hours on the range and then try to go on the golf course and play like that as well. So I think the more reps I can get on the range, the more comfortable it will end up becoming when I get out on the course.”

All of it seems to have clicked, one week after he finished 66th out of 68 players at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. During Thursday’s first round at the BMW, McIlroy shot a six-under 64, which tied him for the lead. On Friday, he followed up with a 69, and he started Saturday’s third round five strokes back of leader Wyndham Clark. 

But back to that quote a few paragraphs earlier. McIlroy has “made a couple of clubs up with different grips?”

He has. McIlroy said his ideal swing position is for his right hand to be on top of the club halfway back. So he fitted a lob wedge and a 7-iron with a Flat Cat putter grip at a 45-degree angle — and McIlroy said “halfway back, your right hand sits on the flat part of the grip, like on top, like where you would sort of want your grip to be, like where you want your right hand.” 

And with that setup, he hit and hit. 

“It just helps my right arm work better,” McIlroy said Friday. “Just the structure of it. Then the club gets more supported at the top. And then if I’m there, I feel like I can really hit whatever shot I want. 

“So it’s more to help the right arm structure and sort of feel like keeping the right hand like on top of the grip more on the way back.”

If you’re interested in watching McIlroy’s range session from Thursday, the PGA Tour’s YouTube channel posted a video of it, and you can watch it here. 

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Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jaja Santiago and Alyssa Valdez during a 2026 PVL on Tour game vs Galeries Tower Highrisers. –PVL PHOTO

VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental — Alyssa Valdez relished her reunion with Jaja Santiago-Minowa, as two of the best volleyball players in the country showed a preview of what they can still do together in Creamline’s triumphant trip to Victorias City.

Four years since they last teamed up for the Philippine national volleyball team, the connection is still there for Valdez and Minowa, as Creamline swept Galeries Tower, 25-21, 25-16, 25-21, to complete a perfect PVL On Tour campaign Saturday night at Victorias City Coliseum here.

“It honestly feels like we’re young again. We’ve been teammates since high school, then in the pros and with the national team. It’s just really nice that we get to meet again in this lifetime in the professional league,” said Valdez in Filipino, recalling her high school years with Minowa.

Creamline stars Jaja Santiago-Minowa and Alyssa Valdez relish their reunion in Victorias City. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/3PVqbwKFmF

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) August 22, 2026

In college, Valdez became the face of Ateneo, winning two UAAP titles and three UAAP MVP awards, while Minowa emerged as one of the league’s unstoppable forces, ushering in National University’s rise as a contender.

The Creamline captain has been one of the reliable spikers in the PVL and national team, while Minowa, a Filipino-born Japanese citizen, became a resident import in the Japan SV.League with a championship and two Best Blocker awards.

“It’s so nice that we’re still fulfilling our dreams together. Being on the same team, especially at Creamline, is a beautiful reminder of why we’re doing this and why we’re here. It’s because of all the teammates we’ve had and everything we’ve learned from them. For me, it’s a wonderful reminder to just keep going and continue supporting everyone,” Valdez said.

Jaja Santiago and the Creamline Cool Smashers during a 2026 PVL on Tour game vs Galeries Tower Highrisers. –PVL PHOTO

They executed a beautiful combination play to end the first set, with Minowa attracting the blockers that led to Valdez’s set-clinching cross-court kill.

The 6-foot-5 middle blocker scored six points, all from kills out of her 13 attempts, while Valdez topscored with 10 points.

“I’m really happy. It’s overwhelming to play again here in the Philippines, and of course, to be with Ate Ly on the court again. We know she’s one of our leaders, so it’s nice to play without having to worry too much because you know she’s there with you,” said Minowa, who also won two titles with Valdez for PLDT in the Shakey’s V-League 2015 season — PVL’s predecessor.

Valdez is just relieved she no longer has to stop Minowa, who tormented Creamline in the 2021 Open Conference Finals inside the bubble in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

“Honestly, we keep telling Jaja, ‘Good thing you’re our teammate!’ From her serve to her blocks and attacks, we’re just really happy she’s on our side. It’s also nice to compete against her because we learn so much from her,” said Valdez.

“But it’s completely different when she’s your teammate and she’s leading. Jaja has grown so much—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as a player as well. I’m very, very happy to be with her again and to learn all these things from her. I can’t wait to learn even more from her.”

With the US-bound Minowa joining the team, Valdez is optimistic that Creamline can handle the high expectations and get on the same page for the Invitationals next week.

“I think we have to handle it by training harder and, most importantly, training smarter. We really have to communicate because we have new players joining us and they have to adjust to our system. So communication is really important,” she said. “With the expectations surrounding the Invitational, we really have to prepare so we can feel the pressure and execute properly when the tournament starts.”

Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic are set to renew their rivalry when they meet for the first time as mares in the upcoming Toy Show Quality at Randwick.

The pair crossed paths three times as three-year-olds, with Apocalyptic initially getting the better of Savvy Hallie in the Furious Stakes (1200m) last spring. However, Savvy Hallie turned the tables in their two autumn encounters, securing second place for her rival in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) and winning the Surround Stakes (1400m).

Trainer Brad Widdup is not concerned with the notion of a rivalry, emphasizing that both are talented mares and his charge is ready for her fresh performance.

“I don’t know, but I suppose they’re in that grade where they’ve got to run against each other. Fingers crossed we can beat her,” Widdup remarked.

“My horse is great. I couldn’t be happier with her. She’s had a good build-up. She came in nice and early and she’s had a good preparation leading into Saturday.”

Savvy Hallie has been exceptionally consistent, recording three victories and five placings from eleven starts, including a Group 1 second to Tempted, the Everest runner-up, in the Surround Stakes.

Her only outing where she finished outside the top five was in the Coolmore Classic (1500m) in March, a race where Widdup felt she had reached the end of her campaign and her preferred distance.

Having won first-up previously, Widdup has no reservations about her carrying the top weight of 59kg or her wide draw in barrier six of seven.

“I think you’ve got to excuse her run in the Coolmore Classic and other than that, her form is pretty top notch,” he commented.

“I’m not too worried (about the barrier). I’m pretty happy with her. She’ll get her chance.”

Following the Toy Show Quality, Savvy Hallie is expected to contest the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill for her second-up run. If she performs well, a trip to Melbourne for the Manikato Stakes (1200m) is a consideration.

“She could go to the Sheraco, and then to Melbourne for the Manikato (Stakes),” Widdup said.

“I’m very happy with her so we’ll see what happens.”

Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic are at the forefront of the early betting for the Toy Show Quality (1100m), with Savvy Hallie priced at $3.80 and Apocalyptic the $2.30 favourite.

The $2 million Manikato Stakes takes place at Caulfield on September 27.

Compare the latest racing odds on Australian betting sites.

NPFL champions Rangers International will face hosts Plateau United in the final of the 2026 NPFL Super 6 Preseason Tournament at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday, August 23.

The much-anticipated final will kick off at 4:00 p.m., with both teams looking to finish their preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season on a winning note.

Rangers, who were crowned NPFL champions at the end of the 2025/26 season, will be keen to show that their title-winning form is still intact.

The Enugu-based club secured the league title on the final day of last season after beating Ikorodu City 2-1 in Lagos.

Plateau United, meanwhile, will have the backing of their home supporters at the New Jos Stadium. The Jos-based side made a strong start to the tournament by defeating Rivers United 1-0 in their opening match, with Jibril Ibrahim scoring the winning goal.

The final brings together two teams with strong reasons to lift the trophy. Rangers will want to build confidence ahead of the new season, while Plateau United will hope to make the most of home advantage and their positive preseason form.

The Super 6 has given the participating clubs valuable competitive preparation. It has allowed coaches to assess their squads, test different tactics and give new players time to settle before the new NPFL campaign begins.

The tournament is also important for Nigerian clubs preparing to represent the country in CAF inter-club competitions.

The 2026 edition features six clubs and is being held in Jos with the support of the Plateau State Government. The participating teams are Rangers International, Rivers United, El-Kanemi Warriors, Katsina United, Plateau United and Mighty Jets.

With the preseason title now within reach, Sunday’s final promises to be an exciting test for both teams before they turn their attention to the demands of the 2026/27 NPFL season.

Match Details

Competition: 2026 NPFL Super 6 Preseason Tournament – Final
Fixture: Rangers International vs Plateau United
Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos
Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
Kick-off: 4:00 p.m.

The decision regarding Ole Dancer’s participation in a Stakes race at Sandown will be heavily influenced by the weather and the resultant track conditions.

The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained mare is currently nominated for the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes, a 1000-metre event scheduled for Saturday.

This year, the Carlyon Stakes will be staged at Sandown, as its usual venue, Moonee Valley, is undergoing a significant rebuild and is still approximately 12 months away from resuming racing.

Coleman confirmed that the stable is closely monitoring the weather and track surface, which was a Soft 6 on Thursday.

“She’s come back good,” Coleman remarked.

“She has had that one trial. We’re looking at keeping her to shorter trips this time around, but we’re also keeping a watch on the weather and track conditions, so whether she kicks off this weekend or we wait for the following week, I think she will be forward enough to run well wherever we go.”

Having won the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield last spring, Coleman advised that the Ole Kirk filly would be kept to shorter distances this season.

Coleman suggested that keeping the mare fresh might be the key to extracting her best performances.

“We felt that she lost a bit of that spark in a couple of her runs when we tried to stretch her out, so we’ve decided to drop her back in trip, keep her fresh, and pinging,” Coleman stated.

“That’s how we’re looking at the prep at this stage and whether we do end up getting her back out 1400 (metres), we’ll be open minded.”

Ole Dancer’s most recent outing was in March, finishing towards the rear of the field in the Group 1 Coolmore Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.

This preceded a second-place finish on February 14 at Flemington behind Sass Appeal, and a third in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.

The mare impressed in a recent 800-metre jump-out on July 28, defeating stablemate Sheza Alibi and showing she had returned in good order.

Coleman indicated that the stable would maintain flexibility regarding Ole Dancer’s racing tactics on Saturday, given her versatile running style.

“We’ll just ride her where she’s comfortable,” Coleman concluded.

With the Carlyon Stakes being a key race on Saturday, exploring Australian betting sites could offer competitive racing betting markets.

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul (7) talk as they warm up before an MLS soccer game against Toronto FC on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/David Santiago)

MIAMI–A goal from Lionel Messi wasn’t enough as Inter Miami fell 2-1 at home to Toronto in the MLS on Saturday for their fifth straight match without a win.

Miami trailed 2-0 after goals from Toronto’s Josh Sargent and Derrick Etienne Jr. in the 59th and 62nd minutes.

READ: Messi goal, assist lead Inter Miami to first win at new stadium

Argentine superstar Messi pulled a goal back for Miami in the 82nd, capitalizing on a sensational through ball from compatriot Rodrigo De Paul.

But Miami’s final siege yielded no reward.

With 14 goals, Messi is second on the Major League Soccer scoring chart behind Dallas’s Petar Musa — who went into Saturday with 16.

But Miami have four losses and a draw in their last five matches. That includes MLS play and the Leagues Cup, in which they were eliminated in the group stage.

They remained in second place in the MLS Eastern Conference, seven games behind leaders Nashville who have a game in hand.

But Robert Lewandowski’s Chicago Fire moved within three points of Miami in the standings after a 1-1 draw at New York Red Bulls on Saturday.

Orlando City moved into the MLS Cup playoff positions in the East with a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake.

Orlando’s French star Antoine Griezmann, recently arrived from Atletico Madrid, scored twice in the second half, his first MLS brace pulling Orlando back after Real Salt Lake took the lead through Dominik Marczuk in the 36th minute.

“Batting first, yes. [On the pitch] It looks like a much harder, much better surface compared to Galle. Galle was also a very good wicket, but I think as the game went on, it got a little bit slower and the ball started to turn. We’re expecting the same, but I think for the first two or three days, I think it’ll be a really good wicket to bat on. [Playing XI] Kuldeep, unfortunately, had some infections, so he misses out, and Saransh makes his debut for India. [How he would rate the Galle win] I would say probably a nine, because there’s always room for improvement, and I think we played a pretty good match, a decent match. And obviously there were some areas where we could have got a little bit better, but, you know, this is Test cricket. It’s very, very difficult to be able to have a near-perfect game because you’re playing for five days, and to play that dominant and consistent cricket, especially in Test, is hard. But I think overall we had a pretty good match,” said India skipper Shubman Gill. 

First Published: Aug 23 2026 | 11:18 AM IST